Groups can enhance running experience

Runners in Central New York are well informed about the running groups available in the area from word of mouth, or looking at the websites of Fleet Feet, The Syracuse Track Club and the Syracuse Chargers. Rather than list the many groups, a review of why you should check them out might influence your decision about joining.

A recent social event brought me in touch with a couple that met in a local running group. Both raved about the friendliness and fun encountered at group runs and post-run events.

Other runners answered my inquiry with enthusiasm and only positives. Groups offered a forum to share information, experiences, running tips and race guidance. Networking was further enhanced through social media. As for the actual running, runners say the best part has been meeting new people who were responsible for pushing them to run farther and harder than on their own.

Groups provide an audience to share passion for running, even with members of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. Asked about whether running groups were tough to break into for a shy person, runners stated that shyness was not an issue. Members were kind, welcoming, and warm. One runner even said group runs don’t permit headphones, so everyone is forced to talk! Groups were described as being from 10–50 runners (and varying amounts at training runs), and had large age ranges — 20’s to 60’s, and even boasted a share of seniors.

Running groups have been around as long as runners have been training and competing. More recent trends are smaller groups forming for more specialized training or very specific goals. That’s not to say runners aren’t interested in the larger group, but may find they need more focused training for a particular race or period of time.

I recently met a woman who is a member of a group that draws its membership from all over the country, staying in contact mostly through email, and see one other at races or a specific weekend training event. This group is fairly elite, but are all masters’ runners, and all Moms. When competing as a team, they have been quite successful. The members each have their own coaches at home, but claim the group has provided the specific support needed to talk about family constraints related to running. Though personal goals are important, this woman said the group loves when younger girls and women show up at events where the group can act as role models for the younger competitors.

Many running clubs have formed that include small groups of post-collegiate runners who are looking for support following the college team and coaching experience. I received information on groups whose narrow goals included qualifying for the Boston Marathon, raising money for charity, or planning a running event around a community activity like park or trail refurbishment, or area cleanup and trash removal.

Variations exist on how groups maintain accountability. Some have fees, some have elections of officers for leadership and financial decisions, while others are more loosely formed. If clubs or groups offer food, drink or support along a training run, these tasks must be planned ahead of time. Some look for corporate sponsorship or donations.

Whatever the type of group, the benefits are there for all to share. Like any membership in a group, you will get out of it what you put into it. Attitude and effort are individual, and success is measured in various ways. Look to your greater community to expand your horizons. Your running performance may thank you.